Bottled water delivered after treatment plant vandalized

CROW AGENCY, Mont. — Crow tribal employees helped deliver bottled water to families on the Crow Indian Reservation after someone vandalized the water treatment plant in Crow Agency, causing an estimated $1 million in damages.

Tribal Chairman A.J. Not Afraid declared a state of emergency Wednesday after workers discovered the destruction at the plant, including shots fired at equipment and fire damage.

The tribe advised residents not to drink or touch the water out of concern that it may have been tampered with. Tests were pending on Thursday.

Martin McComb with the Environmental Protection Agency told The Billings Gazette on Thursday that the tribal water plant will be shut down for some time.

The nearby Bureau of Indian Affairs water treatment plant was not damaged and will be able to temporarily serve Crow Agency residents once the pipes are determined to be safe.